THE COMPLETE SPORTS MEDICINE BOOK FOR WOMEN

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 8, 1985

Accurate--but narrowly focused on medicine, and outclassed by more general sports guides. Shangold and Mirkin, directors of the Sports-medicine Institute, first offer advice on finding an exercise program: they suggest goals (thinner body, greater strength, improved cardiovascular health) and the best activities to meet them. Then they look at a variety of concerns: from nutrition, weather, and adjustments in sports routine during pregnancy, to clothing (choosing the right underwear and swimwear), skin and hair care, and special medical problems (e.g., ""athletic anemia,"" not a cause for concern). On drugs, they warn strongly against steroid use: ""Women can be masculinzed by anabolic steroids. . . Some of these problems are only temporary. . . but. . . Dark, abundant facial and body hair will not fall out. . . A deep voice will not get higher in pitch."" (Acne should clear up, however, and ""your receding hairline will probably return to normal,"" when steroid use is halted.) Shangold and Mirkin are encouraging and easy-to-understand; but this just can't match the general guides whose focus is sport and fitness--not medicine and problems. (The standout, still: Marshall and Barbash, The Sports Doctor's Fitness Book for Women.)

Pub Date: May 8, 1985

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1985

Categories: NONFICTION